Baby Week

The story of Baby Week

Baby Week is a registered organisation founded in Leeds, inspired by Brazil's ‘Semano do Bebe'. Leeds held the UK's first Baby Week back in 2016, and Child Friendly Leeds have worked with charity since the beginning.

Baby Week takes place each year from the 14 to 20 November and celebrates the work of maternity, health and early years services. The aim is to bring people together with a shared goal, and raise awareness of the importance of the early years and the first 1001 days.

Since 2016, hundreds of free or low-cost Baby Week events have been hosted across Leeds, attended by thousands of parents, expectant parents, and professionals.

Other cities have been inspired by Leeds with other locations, such as Calderdale and Bradford, joining Baby Week for the first time in 2023. Celebrating 10 years, more locations joined meaning Baby Week now takes place in 25 locations, including Hull and Nottinghamshire.

Baby Week UK – It all starts with a baby step

Baby Week Leeds

Baby Week Leeds works with over 75 partner organisations, from Leeds Maternity and Leeds Baby Bank to Leeds Museums and Galleries, Active Leeds Leisure Centres, Mumbler and Leeds Dads. Bringing together statutory, voluntary, community, health and cultural partners means there is something for everyone.

Across the week, over 100 events and activities take place across the city. Families can enjoy museum takeovers, free and 50p leisure sessions, activities in libraries, Children’s Centres and Family Hubs, alongside opportunities to meet services and discover support available throughout the year. This year, Baby Week will also launch with a special opening weekend at Temple Newsam.

Beyond the events, Baby Week creates opportunities for partners across Leeds to come together, share learning and best practice, build stronger connections and find new ways to reduce barriers for families.

One of our highlights in Leeds was beginning the museum takeovers during Baby Week to reduce barriers to access and open the doors to a new audience. Hundreds attended the 2023 opening event which had the theme: ‘Culture and Identity’. Find out more about some of the key highlights:

Baby Week Grand Opening